Is a Falcon an Eagle? Falcon vs Eagle Explained

No, a falcon is not an eagle. Although both are impressive birds of prey (raptors) with sharp talons, hooked beaks, and exceptional hunting skills, falcons and eagles belong to entirely different biological families. They differ significantly in taxonomy, physical characteristics, flight styles, and hunting techniques. This article breaks down the key differences between falcons and eagles, including comparisons of size, speed, strength, and more, to clear up common confusion.

Taxonomy and Scientific Classification

One of the clearest ways to see that falcons are not eagles is through their scientific classification. Birds of prey are divided into several orders and families based on evolutionary history and genetic differences.

Feature	Falcon	Eagle
Order	Falconiformes	Accipitriformes
Family	Falconidae	Accipitridae
Genus Examples	Falco (e.g., Falco peregrinus)	Aquila, Haliaeetus (e.g., Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Number of Species	About 40	About 60-70 (true eagles)

Falcons are more closely related to parrots and songbirds in evolutionary terms than to eagles, hawks, or vultures. This separation in taxonomy underscores that falcons are not a type of eagle or vice versa.

Key Differences Between Falcons and Eagles

While both are apex predators in their ecosystems, falcons and eagles have evolved distinct adaptations.

Size and Strength

• Eagles are generally larger and heavier. The largest eagles, like the Harpy Eagle or Steller’s Sea Eagle, can have wingspans up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) and weigh over 20 pounds (9 kg).
• Falcons are smaller and more lightweight. Even the largest, like the Gyrfalcon, rarely exceed a 5-foot (1.5-meter) wingspan and 4-5 pounds (2 kg). This makes falcons agile but less physically imposing.

Wings and Flight Style

Falcons have long, pointed wings ideal for high-speed dives, while eagles have broad, fingered wings for soaring on thermals.

Hunting Style

• Falcons are speed hunters. They stoop (dive) at incredible velocities to strike prey mid-air.
• Eagles rely on power. They soar high, spot prey from afar, then swoop down to grab with massive force.

Beak and Talons Comparison

A standout difference is in their killing tools.

Falcons possess a unique “tomial tooth” – a notch on the upper beak used to sever the spinal cord of prey quickly.

Close-up of a falcon’s beak showing the tomial tooth.

Eagles lack this tooth but compensate with extraordinarily powerful talons that can exert crushing pressure.

Eagle talons up close, demonstrating raw gripping strength.

Speed vs Power: The Ultimate Showdown

This is where falcons and eagles shine differently:

• Speed: The Peregrine Falcon is the fastest animal on Earth, reaching over 240 mph (386 km/h) in a hunting dive. No eagle comes close.
• Power: Eagles dominate in lifting capacity. A Bald Eagle can carry prey weighing up to 15 pounds (7 kg), and larger species like the Harpy Eagle hunt monkeys and sloths weighing more than themselves.

Falcons excel in open skies chasing fast birds like pigeons, while eagles rule forests and waterways, taking down fish, mammals, or even young deer.

Similarities Between Falcons and Eagles

To provide balanced information, it’s worth noting what they share:

• Both are diurnal raptors (active during the day).
• Exceptional eyesight – up to 8 times sharper than humans.
• They hunt live prey exclusively (no scavenging like vultures).
• Hooked beaks for tearing flesh.
• Important roles in controlling pest populations and maintaining ecosystem balance.

These shared traits explain why they’re both classified broadly as birds of prey.

Examples of Famous Falcons and Eagles

Common Falcons

• Peregrine Falcon: The speed king, found worldwide.
• American Kestrel: Smallest falcon in North America, often seen hovering.
• Merlin: Compact and fierce, hunts small birds.

Iconic Eagles

• Bald Eagle: Symbol of the USA, fish specialist.
• Golden Eagle: Powerful mountain hunter across the Northern Hemisphere.
• African Fish Eagle: Dramatic caller of African rivers, similar to the Bald Eagle.

Falcon vs Eagle: Which Is Stronger?

“Strength” depends on context. In raw power and ability to tackle large prey, eagles win – a Martial Eagle can kill antelopes weighing 80 pounds (37 kg). Falcons, however, are unmatched in aerial agility and speed. In rare confrontations, outcomes vary by species and situation, but neither routinely preys on the other.

Why Do People Confuse Falcons and Eagles?

Confusion arises because:

• Both are large, majestic raptors often seen soaring.
• Similar silhouettes from a distance.
• Loose cultural usage – “eagle” sometimes broadly means any big raptor.
• Media portrayals grouping them as “birds of prey” without specifics.

Falcons and Eagles Around the World

These birds thrive globally. In Africa, spot the majestic Martial Eagle in savannas or the Verreaux’s Eagle in mountains. Falcons like the Lanner are common too. Popular birding spots include Kruger National Park (South Africa) or the Okavango Delta (Botswana).

FAQs

Is a falcon a type of eagle?

No, falcons belong to the Falconidae family, while eagles are in Accipitridae. They are distinct groups.

Which is bigger, a falcon or an eagle?

Eagles are typically larger and heavier than falcons.

Can a falcon kill an eagle?

Rarely. While a large falcon might injure a smaller eagle in defense, eagles generally dominate in direct conflicts due to size and power.

Are falcons and eagles related?

Only distantly, as both are birds of prey, but they diverged evolutionarily millions of years ago.

What family do falcons belong to?

Falcons are in the family Falconidae.

In summary, while falcons and eagles share the skies as elite hunters, they are not the same. Understanding their differences highlights the incredible diversity of raptors. For more on birds of prey, explore guides to falcon species or types of eagles.